Technocrats: The band... the music... the gigs
Bands are considered as the ambassadors of music. They breathe life into the long-forgotten melodies that once tickled our hearts. As they play their music, the stories of our lives unfold. Encapsulated within each lyrics are our deepest unspoken emotions. Each note that they hit reminds us of our past and the memories that are associated with them.
Nowadays, there are numerous local bands. There are all-female and all-male groups. Mostly, the playing population is made up of the young genre. The estimated life-span of these bands are limited. The rationale is simple: The world changes.
Well, it seems that there is this one band who had made a difference. It has defied the challenge of time. The very reason why they are extraordinary. Find out why.
The Band
The young and talented founding members conceptualized the idea of forming a band after drawing an inspiration from the phenomenal John Lennon-band, The Beatles. The year 1964 marked the birth of the one-of-a-kind band. The campus of the University of San Agustin served as the placenta of one of Iloilo's top performing band - the Technocrats.
The first two syllables (Techno) was derived from one of the many colleges in the university. The College of Technology was a common denominator to the band members since the it was composed of students and affiliates of the Technology Department.
The band has basically played in almost every part of Iloilo ever since it was founded. In 1975, Technocrats hit the road with a tour in Manila. They have shared their God-given talent and have conquered the famous Hotels in the Metro including The Manila Hotel, Westin Philippine Plaza, and Tropical Palace Hotel.
Though the original members has ceased playing, the band continues to exist. Mr. Jun Alfonso Palencia, the original bassist, has witnessed the young generations of talents who has rendered their expertise to Technocrats throughout its 42 years in the business.
"Today's Technocrats is the 6th generation," Mr. Palencia, the band manager, proudly exclaimed.
The Members
Technocrats is made up of nine musical enthusiasts from different generations. Each has their own forte. This blend of talent and time is the backbone of the their strength - versatility.
Here are the breeds of talents behind the band.
Jun Palencia. The Band Leader. The sole original band member left. He was the bass player during his college years. He eventually earned his degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This Filipino-American started his career in 1964 with the Technocrats. He later affiliated himself with several bands such as The Psychedelics and Spice of Life. When he was in the US, he joined The Flashback Band. Returning in his hometown in Passi City, he found himself united again with the band that honed him. And who said that a 63 year-old can't catch up with the jive? Aside form being the Band Manager, Jun incredibly plays with his band on their gigs. He sure has found his fountain of youth in music.
Haycia Kamil Olivar. The Sizzling Vocalist. This 23 years old lady has been on the band for 4 years. Her angelic voice took home the second place in 2001 PRISAA Vocal Solo Pop and first place on the same competition in 1998. Kamil is a former member of the Youth for Christ Band. She is a Jack-of-all-trades when it comes to vocals. Don't get captivated by her alluring voice you'll just end up brokenhearted. This Medical Technologist diva is married. Sorry guys.
Afredo Panelo. A multi-awarded member of the second generation. His prowess in music had won him several prizes in singing contests. Whether he performs with his brothers, sisters,friends, and relatives or even solo, this man is a sure hit. He was once been a part of a band in Negros Occidental called The Drifters and was also involved with The Group Band of Olongapo. His talent was his passport to Japan where he joined the band dubbed as Windjammers. Alfredo has been a member of Quantum Leap, a Laguna-and-Manila-based band, and other local bands in Calamba. As a son of music, he had made several original compositions. His expertise are minus one and folk singing.
Nelfredo Asiman. A native of Sara, Iloilo. His love for variety music is paralleled with his multi-lingual expertise. He speaks Japanese. His talent has been molded after joining the Crickets Band and the Basura. Dorados Band and Pegasus I have further developed his potentials. Etched with greatness, he decided to share his skills to the equally respected band - Technocrats.
Mark Evangelista. The Psychologist. Though tagged with the B.S Psychology degree, this man is oozing with a gift of music. As a proof, he bagged the second place in the Rock Category of RJ Guitar Legends Contest last 1994. He was a part of the band Wreckage, the Sigabong Clash VI champion of 1994. Strumming his guitar, he became a part of Manila's Rock bands Black Roses and Warning Sign in 1993 and 1992, respectively. If you think that Rock is the only kid of music this string-genius can do, think again. For the span of three years, Mark has performed with various R & B groups in Manila from 1999 to 2002. He had a stint as a session guitarist for BMG Records-Manila in 1999. Currently, he is a proud member of Technocrats and a dedicated guitar teacher since 1995.
Paolo Artemio David Blaquera. The ComSci. This 31-years-old band mate was born in Manila. Aside from graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, he too had a Certificate in Performing Arts attached to his name. He has played with numerous Rock, Jazz, and show bands in Manila and Iloilo. He was once with the Pagano in 1994 and Unsung Heroes in 1997. He has been with Technocrats since 2002 and 2003. After having a year with the band S.O.M in 2005, Paolo once again embraced Technocrats.
Van Bedua. Hailing from the humble abode in Bankers Village, Jaro is the 7th man in the band. His vast experiences with several bands were his ticket for entry on Technocrats. He was with bands like Phantom and Odds & Ends. He used to play for the cruise ship band called Doña Monserrat. Today, Van is a bona fide Technocrat.
Rojena Espina. The baby of the group. A musician by education and profession. Her passion for music is exceptional. At the very young age of 22, she has joined choral contests and singing competitions. A Bachelor of Music Education, she often sings classical compositions. She is Technocrats' answer to London's Charlotte Church.
Jan Michael Combong. The Music Prodigy. The 24 year-old Antiqueño is undeniably talented. Unlike others, Michael's love for music sprung early. At 13, he started hitting the notes and strumming the strings with the Phenom Band. During his 2nd year and 3rd year in College, he became the bassist and the vocalist of the same group. In 2003 to 2004, he was the lead guitarist at the same time the vocalist of the Mint Band. Last 2005, Mike has decided to join the Technocrats as a vocalist - a great one!
"I joined the band because music is my first love. It is my life. Life without music would be dull for me. I did not expect to pass the audition. Technocrats is a professional band. I was just an amateur that time. I am blessed to finally be with them because one can seldom find a band that plays our type of music. I learned a lot from them. In the past, I was the one teaching my bandmates. Now that I'm with Technocrats, I'm learning. My band [Technocrats] has taught me a lot," Michael stated.
"They are my inspiration to strive harder and to improve. So that someday, I can fulfill my dream of being a professional and a respected musician like them," he added with pride for himself and honor for his band.
The music and the gigs
"We play a wide range of music, from the 50's ballroom music to the present-day tunes," Mr. Palencia explained.
Truly, their music is relentlessly growing. Name it and they have it. May it be the timeless hits of the 60s, the eternal sounds of the 70s, the groovy beats of the 80s or the pop-rock throb of the 90s to present. Those pair of tiny ears will be delighted by the relaxing Jazz music. Your heart will beat faster with their version of the all-time favorite love songs. Recall the milestones of your life as they serenade the memorable OPM hits. Tap those shoes for a series of ballroom and R & B tunes.
Catch them every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at the Marina from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. They too perform at the paradise-like island of Boracay and on some out-of-town gigs. You can reach them at 09182331425.
Indeed, Technocrats is a fusion of talents, generations, and professions. A band like no other. Purely Ilonggo!